In the same way wary Americans trusted staunch anti-communist Richard Nixon to open relations with Red China, skeptical commonwealth conservatives could also be swayed by Gov. Tom Corbett’s sudden, but deliberate support of legal medical marijuana.

“I have been looking at this issue extensively over the past few months and listening to many perspectives,” Corbett said in a news release after meeting with parents who say the drug is their only weapon to combat their children's debilitating seizures.

“I have heard the concerns and heartbreaking stories of these families and want to help,” he added. “However, we must address this issue in a way that helps these families, but also protects the public health and safety of all Pennsylvanians.”

His most immediate hurdle will come in the Republican-controlled state House, where representatives, cautious of the impact a level one narcotic would have on children even if prescribed by a physician, will not be easy to persuade.

“We’ll listen to him,” said House GOP spokesman Steve Miskin. “And everyone wants to alleviate the pain and suffering of these kids. It’s heart wrenching. But we think the Obama administration needs to get off its duff, get these studies done, and see whether this stuff really works, or not, what the effects are, and whether its safe.”

However, some political observers believe having the tough-on-crime former prosecutor on board will calm principled fears in the chamber.

“I would assume that it would, if for no other reason than his track record and being a career prosecutor,” said Brian Nutt, a Corbett confidant. “They probably have the same concerns he had. So if he’s able to explain to them how they’ll protect constituents from widespread marijuana use, I’d imagine that would help relieve some of the concerns some of the members may have felt.”

Another challenge to legalized medical marijuana may come from a different direction in the state Senate.

“I am hopeful that the governor’s specific proposal, which I hope is forthcoming, is a reasonable one,” he said in a statement. “I would also say that I am grateful the governor has moved off his rigid position.”

Folmer acknowledged Corbett’s new position as “a great step forward,” but still pushed for more.

“It’s refreshing the governor is more open to the issue, but I would like to go further than what the governor is proposing” Folmer said in a statement.

“We can’t forget veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder, cancer patients, and the many others who could benefit from medical cannabis,” he added.

“If a child’s physician believes that cannabidiol would relieve suffering, state law should not stand in the way,” Pileggi said in a statement. “I will continue to work with Senator Folmer on his legislation and look forward to sending a bill to the governor’s desk.”

But it’s unclear if the Senate would be willing to forgo is current effort in favor of the governor’s more cautious approach.

And in an election year in which the incumbent’s low approval ratings remain a daunting challenge, many will see his sudden switch in purely political terms.

Most Democrats, who favored legalizing medical marijuana before public opinion swung their way in recent years, will criticize Corbett for defying public sentiment, taking too long, and then doing too little.

“Given how low Gov. Corbett's approval numbers are, it's not surprising that he would try and latch on to something which … 85 percent of Pennsylvanians support, including 78 percent of Republicans,” said Philadelphia-based Democratic campaign strategist J.J. Balaban.

“But it looks like Corbett, as he has done on so many issues, is doing this in such a tentative and half-hearted way that it's unlikely to have much of a political impact,” Balaban added. “A tiny pilot program at some children's hospitals is unlikely to impress a lot of people who are passionate about this issue.”

Even among cynical observers, however, Corbett’s move could be perceived as good public policy, and the manifestation of reflective leadership, according to Muhlenberg College pollster Chris Borick.

“There is solid support among Pennsylvanians for allowing the use of medical marijuana in the state so Corbett’s tentative steps in that direction aren't really risky, and are in line with his broader efforts to appeal to more moderate voters in the Pennsylvania,” Borick said.

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